Keeping it straight and true

BESIDES employing a calm and careful driving style, there is another step you should take to maximise your tyre’s tread wear and ensure that your car is handling properly. Make sure that your car’s wheels are properly aligned.  Proper alignment means that all tyre and wheel assemblies are geometrically set to run straight and true. Signs of a car’s misalignment can be seen in the form of uneven wear of the front and rear tyres, or a change in the handling or steering feel of the car.  Click here to read more.

Make sure it's the same

IF you are seeking to replace one of your vehicle’s tyres, be sure to replace it with one that is the same as the other three. This is because the performance and construction of a tyre will vary between models, thus mounting a tyre different from the other three can affect their wear life. Handling and stability of the vehicle would also be adversely affected as all four tyres will not be performing on different levels. Click here to read more.

Renewable tyres

AS the automotive industry refocuses its attention and resources to the plight of the environment and a sustainable future, Goodyear unveiled its first concept demonstration tyres made with BioIsoprene technology in Copenhagen, Denmark. BioIsoprene technology replaces the petrochemical ingredient, isoprene, in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, with that of a bio-based, renewable biomass alternative. The tyres were the result of a collaboration between Genencor, a division of Danisco, and Goodyear. Click here to read more.

Autocare 21 February 10

Rough idling (lead)   I HAVE a 1997 Camry SXV10. Recently, I noticed that when it was idling, the engine was running rough, sort of like misfiring (the engine would intermittently shake a bit). I tried to check for the DTC but did not find any fault code. When I disconnected the oxygen sensor signal to the ECU near the exhaust manifold, the rough idle appeared to get a lot better. I have done the following checks: 1. Vacumm leak for PCV, EGR, master brake pump and check for any hose leak. Click here to read more.

Fuel Subsidy Survey

A new two-tier pricing mechanism for petrol is due to beClick here to read more.

Autocare feb 14 2010

Air-cond quandary-I OWN a 2005 Toyota Avanza.I have carried out all services as per requirement.In late 2008, I had a problem with my air-conditioner’s magnetic clutch on the compressor and it was replaced with a new one with a 20,000km warranty given by a Toyota service centre.During this period, there was a kind of noise and I sent my car back to be checked and the magnetic clutch was repaired.Last June, I noticed that my air-cond was not cool and on checking with the Toyota service centre, I was told that the compressor and magnetic clutch needed to be changed. Click here to read more.

Goodyear dealers reject regrooved tyres

GOODYEAR dealers are ensuring that bald and regrooved tyres are not sold, stocked or displayed on their premises.Goodyear has a network of 257 dealers nationwide.This is in line with the ban on the retail of such tyres by the Road Safety Department (JKJR) and the Ministry of Transport.“As of Jan 1 this year, snow, used and regrooved tyres cannot be imported into Malaysia,” said JKJR director-general Datuk Suret Singh during a pledging ceremony by 36 members of the Goodyear Bumiputra Dealers Association at the Grand Bluewave Hotel in Shah Alam recently. Click here to read more.

Renewable tyres

AS the automotive industry refocuses its attention and resources to the plight of the environment and a sustainable future, Goodyear unveiled its first concept demonstration tyres made with BioIsoprene technology in Copenhagen, Denmark.BioIsoprene technology replaces the petrochemical ingredient, isoprene, in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, with that of a bio-based, renewable biomass alternative.The tyres were the result of a collaboration between Genencor, a division of Danisco, and Goodyear. Click here to read more.

Tyre Replacement tips

THERE are a few tips and pointers to follow should you need to replace your tyres in the event of a puncture.First, pull over to a safe area, clear of passing traffic and park the car on flat and solid ground.Switch off the engine and leave the car in gear, or if you are driving automatic, in "Park" mode, and apply the handbrake to ensure that the car doesn’t roll off while you are changing tyres.Place your car jack at the proper jack points beneath your car - these are small notches and grooves on the underside of the car near each wheel. Click here to read more.

Pressure of it all

THE weight of a car’s load can affect a tyre’s performance. You should increase your car’s tyre pressure according to the load carried to avoid uneven wear and loss of performance. To see how much pressure you should add, please see the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressures found on the edge of the driver’s door or door post, inside the glove compartment or in the owner’s manual. If there is only one tyre pressure figure stated, that figure normally takes into account the normal load of a driver and passenger. Click here to read more.